Abiera perfection anchors Arellano triumph

c/o NCAA

Arellano University rode on a perfect performance from Renzo Abiera to pull off an 82-66 victory over San Sebastian to kick off this week's action at the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament in San Juan on Tuesday.

Abiera made all eight of his shots to finish with a game-high nineteen points, while also adding a couple of rebounds, an assist, and a block. Each chipping fifteen markers are Maverick Vinoya and Aaron Cabotaje to secure the win after giving a solid test to defending champions Mapua over the weekend.

Head coach Chico Manabat praised his wards afterwards, saying "Pinakamaganda dito e nagttrabaho lahat ‘yong mga bata at ‘yong (mga) coaches." He adds, "Sometimes, hindi’ yong madaming panalo, ‘yong tamang panahon para manalo talaga ‘yong tinatrabaho nila."

Ian Cuajao and Christian Ricio led the Golden Stags with twelve points each, as they drop to 0-2. 

The Legarda-based school had double the reason to celebrate after the Braves blew out the Staglets in juniors action earlier in the morning, 92-61.

The scores:

ARELLANO 92 - Dy 18, Ladica 16, Baluyot 12, Franco 12, Vergara 10, Tagorda 8, Manansala 7, Sapo 5, Mendoza 2, Pascual 2, Pillas 0, Pangilinan 0, Aurita 0, Asal 0, Guiral 0

SAN SEBASTIAN 61 - Castillo 12, Tepan 11, Ramiso 9, Ynot 9, Scott 7, Aninipot 6, Victoria 3, Gutierrez 2, Andrada 2, Dela Cruz 0, Gaviola 0, Rizano 0, Agojo 0

Quarter scores: 21-18, 48-34, 69-50, 92-61

ARELLANO 82 – Abiera 19, Vinoya 15, Cabotaje 15, Valencia 8, Geronimo 8, Libang 5, Borromeo 4, Hernal 3, Langit 3, Camay 1, Buenaventura 1, Anama 0, Miller 0, Demetria 0, Espiritu 0

SAN SEBASTIAN 66 – Cuajao 12, Ricio 12, Dela Rama 10, Felebrico 8, Lumanag 8, Gabat 7, Are 5, Nepacena 2, Dimaunahan 2, Castor 0, Cabilla 0, Gomez de Liaño 0, Velasco 0

Quarter scores: 23-22, 48-36, 65-57, 82-66

Lyceum dominate Arellano in NCAA Season 99

c/o GMA and NCAA

Any potential questions on whether Lyceum will secure the other twice-to-beat advantage was officially put to rest on Sunday with a 98-86 victory over Arellano at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

It was a truly dominant performance from start to finish for the Pirates, who snapped up their thirteenth win of the season out of seventeen matches, joining Mapua as the top two teams in the 99th iteration of the NCAA Philippines.

It was a different outcome compared to the previous result, an 83-80 win over San Sebastian that saw the Golden Stags assert themselves and took advantage of a little sluggishness and overconfidence.

The Chiefs tried to keep in pace in the first half, but could not hold on in the remaining twenty minutes, as they drop to 2-15.

Leading the way for the Gilbert Malabanan-coached squad are Mclaude Guadana and John Barba, who each scored seventeen points, while also scoring in double figures are Shawn Umali and Enoch Valdez with fifteen and eleven, respectively.

Lyceum will finish its elimination round against a San Beda side on Tuesday still working their way into the postseason.

The scores

First Game

LPU 98- Guadana 17, Barba 17, Umali 15, Valdez 11, Bravo 9, Montano 6, Penafiel 6, Omandac 6, Villegas 5, Cunanan 3, Moralejo 3, Versoza 0, Aviles 0

AU 86- Talampas 20, Capulong 17, Mallari 14, Sunga 12, Geronimo 6, Yanes 6, Camay 5, Lustina 2, Dela Cruz 2, Ongotan 2, Villerente 0, Dayrit 0, Tan 0, Rosalin 0

Quarterscores: 21-16; 51-44; 80-65; 98-86

Mapua keeps pace atop NCAA Season 99

c/o GMA and NCAA

Mapua is at the cusp of locking in the top seed with an 84-75 victory over Arellano in NCAA Season 99 men's basketball action at the FiloilEcoOil Centre in San Juan on Friday afternoon.

The win moves the Cardinals to a 14-3 record, and with a victory against Jose Rizal University on Wednesday, they would be able to clinch the top overall seed in the postseason, something that has evaded Randy Alcantara as its head coach.

Marc Cuenco led the way with seventeen points, four rebounds, four assists, and a couple of steals, as the former Brave got one over on the Chiefs. The San Fernando, Pampanga native shared to the media after the game, "Role ko is punan ko kakulangan ni Clint and Paolo like shooting, extra passes."

Escamis finished with fifteen points, while Hernandez added thirteen markers.

Lorenz Capulong had a career night for the Chiefs with 22 points, as Arellano dropped their fourteenth defeat in sixteen games

Second Game

Mapua 84- Cuenco 17, Escamis 15, Hernandez 13, Recto 10, Soriano 9, Rosillo 7, Fornis 6, Dalisay 5, Bonifacio 2

AU 75- Capulong 22, Talampas 14, Camay 8, Mallari 7, Geronimo 6, Sunga 6, Villarente 4, Ongotan 4, Rosalin 2, Dayrit 2, Tan 0, Yanes 0, Dela Cruz 0, Abastillas 0

Quarterscores: 25-20; 51-40; 62-56; 84-75

Kobe Monje uplifts Letran

c/o GMA and NCAA

Kobe Monje stepped up for the undermanned Colegio de San Juan de Letran as they defeated Arellano in a matchup of two also-rans in the NCAA Season 99 men's basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, 67-58.

Originally intended to take on the leadership role next season, Monje took over with three key cogs for the Knights sidelined, including skipper Kurt Reyson.

He finished with as the game's only player to score in double figures with thirteen points. Kobe also added three rebounds, four assists, and a steal, as the Knights secured their second win of the season.

Head coach Rensy Bajar says about Kobe, "I’m proud of Kobe since I started at Letran, player ko na sya sa Team B. Kung ano approach ko sa kanya nung 2019, andun pa din. Siya yung nasa level na pwede maging superstar sa liga na ito."

Kobe believes he is now ready to take the mantle with the numbers he has put up now.

"Nung una hindi ko pa mailabas ganun na role. Dati kasi role player lang ako, naglalaro lang ako five mins, pinakamatagal 15 minutes."

The Chiefs fall to 2-13.

The scores:

First Game

Letran 67- Monje 13, Garupil 9, Cuajao 8, Batallier 8, Santos 7, Go 6, Jumao-as 6, Bojorcelo 5, Javillonar 5, Ariar 0

AU 58- Abastillas 9, Sunga 9, Mallari 7, Talampas 6, Capulong 5, Yanes 5, Tan 5, Villarente 4, Geronimo 4, Dayrit 2, Dela Cruz 2, Camay 0, Angolan 0, Rosalin 0

Quarterscores: 25-15; 40-32; 56-42; 67-58

NCAA Volleyball semifinals set

c/o NCAA

Games Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre
12 noon – Arellano vs San Beda (Men)
2 p.m. – Perpetual vs Lyceum (Women) 

The NCAA Season 98 volleyball tournament is set to have its semifinal round on Wednesday, with second seeds Arellano and the University of Perpetual System Dalta seeking to earn their respective finals spots.

Both toting 8-1 records, the Chiefs and the Lady Altas need to win their respective one-game playoffs against San Beda and Lyceum, respectively, for a chance to avenge their elimination round defeats against Perpetual and the College of Saint Benilde, respectively.

The Red Spikers dispatched Emilio Aguinaldo College in the stepladder playoff on Sunday, 25-22 25-27 25-16 26-24, with Ralph Cabalsa leading the charge with 24 points. They will not make it easy against Arellano, as they took them to five sets before faltering, 23-25 24-26 25-22 25-23 14-16, back in February.

Later that afternoon, the Lady Pirates took care of business against Mapua, 25-18 25-23 29-31 27-25, with Joan Doguna contributing 22 points. Perpetual, however, remain as favorites given their 25-21 25-13 25-22 victory in the eliminations.

Amidst that potential mental disadvantage, head coach Cromwel Garcia promises, "Ang Lady Pirates po ay lalaban ulit."

Both games will be shown LIVE on GTV, with simultaneous streaming on the Facebook and YouTube accounts of GMA Sports and the NCAA Philippines.

The league will take a short break before the start of the finals on April 11.

San Sebastian nips Arellano

Games Sunday at EAC Gym
9:30 a.m. – JRU vs Arellano
1 p.m. – Lyceum vs La Salle-Greenhills

San Sebastian secured their first win of the season, nipping Arellano, 72-69 on Friday at the EAC Gym, as Rion Porcadas converted a triple with 24.4 seconds remaining at the NCAA Season 98 HS Basketball tournament.

Naren Mallari had the chance to force an extension for the Braves, but he missed the game-tying triple to give the win to the Staglets.

Porcadas finished with twelve points and five assists, while Ernest Geronimo led the team with twenty points, five rebounds, and seven assists. San Sebastian joins San Beda, Jose Rizal University, and Lyceum in a tie with a victory and a defeat in their slate.

Xyrill Jalalon, the younger brother of Jio, led the Braves with sixteen points, six rebounds, and five assists, while James Moore almost had a double-double with fourteen points, nine rebounds, and three assists.

Arellano drops to 0-2 alongside La Salle-Greenhills and Emilio Aguinaldo College.

Sunday action at the EAC Gym will feature JRU against Arellano at 930am, followed by LSGH against Lyceum at 1pm.

The next day will feature a triple-header, headlined by a matchup of two undefeated teams in Mapua and Perpetual.

San Sebastian claims Season 98 opener over Arellano

c/o NCAA

San Sebastian rode on their defense in the second half to fend off Arellano on Tuesday afternoon at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, 60-51.

The Golden Stags held the Chiefs without a field goal in the first 4:42 of the fourth quarter, providing themselves some semblance of cushion before Arellano fired thirteen straight points to reduce the deficit to 57-51.

Unfortunately for Arellano, Tristan Felebrico completed an and-1 play with 101 seconds remaining to restore a nine-point cushion and what turned out to be the final points of the game.

Egay Macaraya shared, post-match, "I think the guys just proved themselves na if we played defense, nandoon ang opensa namin.  That's our battlecry and motivation namin ngayon.  I hope we can bring it in other games."

Ichie Altamirano led San Sebastian with ten points, four rebounds, four assists and a couple of steals. As one of the team's leaders this season, the guard has embraced that responsibility.

"Sa team namin, talaga role player kami. Kayang depensa namin, ita-translate namin sa offense. Nagawa namin sa game, lalo na sa depensa," Altamirano says. He adds, "Kailangan nagsasalita kami on and off the court lalo na sa practice. Gina-guide namin sila, para sa ikagaganda ng team."

Rhinwil Yambing scored seven of his nine points in the third quarter, as San Sebastian went from a tied game at the half to a 50-38 lead heading into the fourth.

Axel Doromal led the Chiefs with fifteen points, three rebounds, and three assists, as they dropped to 1-1 in the early stages of the 98th season of the league. Cade Flores almost netted a double-double with twelve points and nine rebounds.

Shane Menina, who helped anchor Arellano to their Opening Day victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College with fifteen points, dealt with early foul trouble and was held scoreless in eighteen minutes of play.

The scores:

SSC-R (60) -- Altamirano 10, Villapando 9, Yambing 9, Felebrico 7, Cosari 6, Una 6, Sumoda 4, Are 3, Shanoda 2, Escobido 2, Desoyo 2, Suico 0.

Arellano (51) -- Doromal 15, Flores 12, Abastillas 8, Talampas 8, Oliva 2, Mallari 2, Tolentino 2, Sunga 2, Menina 0, Oftana 0, Mantua 0.

Quarterscores: 10-12, 27-27, 50-38, 60-51

Chiefs trip Generals to start NCAA Season 98

Shane Menina. Photo c/o Angela Davocol

Arellano University topped Emilio Aguinaldo College, 63-58, to commence the men's basketball competition of the 98th season of the NCAA on Saturday afternoon at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

After a Kris Gurtiza drive to put the Generals ahead, 55-53, the Chiefs would score six straight points to take the lead for good, capped by a Shane Menina layup with 104 seconds remaining.

Ralph Robin converted a triple with 42.3 seconds remaining to make it 59-58, but Menina converts two free throws with eleven seconds left.

Robin tried to replicate that magic, but he missed the game-tying triple, with Axel Doromal securing the miss as the clock ticked down to 5.1 seconds. He converted the subsequent free throws to seal the victory.

Menina topped all scorers with fifteen points in his return to the league, while adding five rebounds. The Cebuano guard previously played for Mapua to start his collegiate odyssey.

Doromal finished with thirteen points and six boards, with Neil Tolentino also finishing in double figures with ten markers.

Allen Liwag led EAC with twelve points, thirteen rebounds, and three assists. His efforts in the second quarter allowed the Generals to take a 32-23 lead in the second quarter, before Menina would anchor a 10-3 run by the Chiefs to make it 35-33 heading into the break.

UST transfer Nat Cosejo added ten points and six rebounds.

Arellano stepped as a late replacement for Opening Day, after Letran had to deal with health and safety protocols days before the start of the competition.

Before the game, everyone was treated to a special opening ceremony, with artists from the Sparkle GMA Artists Center providing an added element to the event, dubbed as "Pista ng Atleta."

The scores:

Arellano (63) -- Menina 15, Doromal 13, Tolentino 10, Flores 9, Mantua 5, Oftana 3, Mallari 2, Abastillas 2, Oliva 2, Talampas 2, Sunga 0.

EAC (58) -- Liwag 12, Cosejo 10, Maguliano 9, Gurtiza 8, Umpad 8, Luciano 4, Tolentino 4, Robin 3, Balowa 0, An. Doria 0, Ad. Doria 0, Bajon 0.

Quarterscores: 14-17, 33-35, 46-47, 63-58.

Rondina, Arocha set to become first Collegiate Press Corps volleyball winners

Your first set of volleyball awardees in the Collegiate Press Corps Awards

The 2019 Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps Awards will be making history on May 27 at the Amelie Hotel, as the scribes have decided to bestow an honor to a couple of volleyball student-athletes for the first time ever, noting the impact of the sport has made, particularly in the women's division.

Set to be honored as the first-ever SportsVision Volleyball Players of the Year are Cherry Ann Rondina of the University of Santo Tomas and Regine Arocha of Arellano University.

Sisi capped off her amazing UAAP career with the Golden Tigresses with a three-peat (and fourth title in five years) in beach volleyball, winning four Most Valuable Player nods. Moving to the indoor for the second semester, she would help end an almost decade-long finals drought by UST, dethroning defending champions La Salle before gamely giving eventual champions Ateneo de Manila a fight in three action-packed games.

The Cebuana became the second woman to be honored as the MVP in both beach and indoor in the same season, following Wendy Semana of FEU eleven years ago. It also the first time a UST player was named as MVP in twelve years.

Regine, on the other hand, denied the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta a crack at the volleyball treble, leading the Lady Chiefs to a series comeback against the Lady Altas to secure a three-peat. She also was named as Finals MVP in back-to-back seasons.

The duo join already announced awardees National University women's basketball (Award of Excellence), Angelo Kouame and Javee Mocon (Pivotal Players), CJ Perez and Sean Manganti (Impact Players).

The 2019 Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps Awards presented by SportsVision is also supported by Amelie Hotel, Rain or Shine, Northport, World Balance, Arellano, and AXA Team EDS.

The event will be streamed LIVE on the Facebook pages of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas and Tiebreaker Times.

NCAA teams make headway in Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League play

Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League action resumed today.

The Letran Knights got themselves on the winning track in the Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League play, as they dispatched National University, 83-82.

Off a timeout after Patrick Yu split his free throws to establish an 81-79 lead with 7.3 seconds remaining, Kobe Monje received the inbound pass at the right wing and then nailed a triple with under five seconds remaining to wrest the lead for the Knights.

Letran had led by as much as thirteen points at 48-35 in the third quarter, before the Bulldogs chipped away at the deficit until they finally took the lead at 66-65 in the final period off a breakaway slam from Adama Faye.

Nico Abatayo would convert on a fastbreak to establish an 80-77 lead with 89 seconds left, but Monje converted a miss from Kenny Rocacurba to cut that deficit to 80-79 with eighteen seconds left, setting up the situation for the final two scoring sequences.

Monje would finish with seventeen points, while Allen Mina led Letran in scoring with 23 points. Mina led the outside shooting barrage for the Knights, converting four of the team's twelve triples.

Abatayo led NU with sixteen points while adding three rebounds and three assists. Mansour Jeno added ten markers for the Bulldogs.

The second match scheduled saw the University of Perpetual Help Dalta System snap up their second win in the tournament, defeating Treston International College, 88-70.

A huge third quarter allowed the Altas to break away against the Golden Lions, with Luke Sese's triple allowing them to establish a 66-50 lead heading into the final period.

From then on, it was smooth sailing for the Frankie Lim-coached squad, keeping themselves undefeated.

Jielo Razon led Perpetual with 21 points, with his drives netting nine conversions off the free throw line. San Beda transfer Bem Adamos added twelve points and nine rebounds.

Eugene Tan led Treston with 21 points.

Also undefeated in the seniors division is Arellano University. The Chiefs secured their third straight victory with a come-from-behind 78-73 victory over La Consolacion College-Manila.

LCC-M rode on a strong 15-2 start to the game, but Arellano managed to catch up by the middle of the second quarter, tying the game at 30 and turning it into a close encounter between both squads.

A top-of-the-key triple from Kent Segura sealed the victory for Arellano, toting a 74-67 lead with a couple of minutes remaining, with free throws from Daryl Bayla adding insurance.

Bayla would finish with twelve points, while Rence Alcoriza led the Chiefs with fifteen markers. The Blue Royals relied on Jesse Bardaje, who led the team with fifteen points and three steals.

The 25th Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League is presented by Resorts World Manila, the Bedans Batch 62-66, and Cocolife.

Altas trip Red Lions on Fr. Martin's Cup Summer opener

Games on Wednesday, April 10 (SGS Gym, G. Araneta Ave.)

8:00 a.m. La Salle vs AMA University (Seniors A)
9:30 a.m. University of Santo Tomas vs San Beda (Juniors A)

San Beda's title defense in the 25th Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League kicked off on the wrong note with a 60-52 defeat to the University of Perpetual Help Altas at the St. Placid's Gym inside the Red Lions' campus at Mendiola.

Luke Sese finished with a game-high fifteen points for the Altas, while Tonton Peralta added eleven markers.

The Red Lions tried to make things into a game in the final quarter, under the stewardship of Arnaud Noah, but Edgar Charcos nails a floater with less than a minute left, and Sese would make free throws in order to preserve the victory.

The other collegiate matchup scheduled saw Arellano escape with a 69-62 win over Letran.

A triple from John Templonuevo and some effective defense from the Chiefs helped secure the victory over the Knights. Templonuevo would finish with sixteen points.

In high school action, Letran ran right through St. Patrick School of Quezon City, 95-51, to kick off their campaign. The Squires used their transition offense to pull away in the second period and never looked back, riding on the trio of Charles Saure, Ralph Yanes, and Lenard Santiago for the victory.

Saure would finish with a game-high nineteen points, while Yanes added fifteen of his own.

San Beda, Arellano split NCAA Season 94 football titles

The Philippine Football Federation's Training Center in Carmona, Cavite hosted the championship for NCAA Season 94 football, with San Beda and Arellano facing off for both the high school and collegiate titles.

The Braves claimed the high school title, defeating the Red Cubs, 1-0. The lone goal came from Jimmen Catap in the 22nd minute.

San Beda's woes worsened after Chevy Celeste's dirty tackle of Catap in the 76th minute, which warranted a red card for the Red Cub's goalkeeper.

This is the first championship for Arellano in the high school division.

In the seniors division, the Red Booters triumphed over the Chiefs, 1-0.

Jessie Semblante scored the lone goal from the penalty spot in the 87th minute, clinching San Beda's 21st title, which matches it with former member La Salle as the winningest program in the league's history.

Lyceum seeks twice-to-beat advantage

Games Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan

10am Arellano vs EAC-ICA (HS)
12nn Mapua/Malayan vs Lyceum (HS)
2pm Arellano vs EAC
4pm Mapua vs Lyceum

Already assured of a Final Four spot, Lyceum is seeking to assure themselves of a twice-to-beat advantage as they face Mapua at 4pm this afternoon, when the NCAA resumes its senior men's basketball tournament.

The Pirates, along with idle San Beda, secured postseason berths after Emilio Aguinaldo College tripped the College of Saint Benilde last week, 69-67. By beating the Cardinals, Lyceum is guaranteed at least a playoff for the twice-to-beat advantage that the top two teams after the eliminations earn.

Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson shared to the media after their 113-79 demolition of Arellano, "The goal remains the same, which is to win a championship. But we know it will take a step-by-step approach for us starting with this (Mapua) game."

In the other collegiate matchup scheduled, the Chiefs face off against the Generals at 2pm, as they attempt to keep their flickering postseason hopes alive. Toting a 4-9 record, Arellano needs to sweep the remainder of its games AND hope that Perpetual loses its remaining games AND that the Blazers win no more than one game in their remaining schedule.

In the high school level, Mapua/Malayan seeks to formalize its entry in the Final Four against EAC-ICA at 10am, followed by a huge matchup between Arellano and Lyceum at 12nn.

The Red Robins, at 11-3, need a win to secure a Final Four spot, while the Braves and Junior Pirates attempt to put an eighth loss on each other. The loser of that matchup will be dealt a huge blow to their postseason hopes, with both San Beda and Jose Rizal University already toting nine wins this season.

Knights, Blazers seek seventh wins in NCAA

Games Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan

10am Perpetual vs La Salle-Greenhills (HS)
12nn Arellano vs Letran (HS)
2pm Perpetual vs CSB
4pm Arellano vs Letran


The 94th season of the NCAA resumes with a four-game bill, highlighted by collegiate matchups seeking a better foothold in the race to the postseason.

In the 2pm matchup, Perpetual is hoping that Edgar Charcos is ready to play against the College of Saint Benilde, as the Altas sorely missed his services.

The UE transfer suffered a hyperextended knee during their first round meeting against the Blazers, and subsequently sat out their next game. He also had to bow out from participating in the NCAA All-Star Game last week.

The Blazers are looking to keep their winning run going, as they attempt to move in on the two remaining postseason berths available with Lyceum and San Beda still lording atop the standings.

In the 4pm matchup, Letran seeks to also solidify their positioning as one of the top four teams against Arellano.

The Knights have rode on Bong Quinto's back-to-back triple-doubles to conclude their first round campaign, but that has since been muted by the news of Jerrick Balanza's medical condition.

The veteran was diagnosed to have a tumor inside his brain and has been ruled out for the rest of the season, with the school seeking to find the necessary funding to defray medical expenses.

As for the Chiefs, they are buoyed by their upset victory over Perpetual to cap off their first round, hoping that they can avenge their 88-70 first round defeat.

In the high school morning doubleheader, a potential Final Four preview is in play with the Junior Altas facing off against defending champions La Salle-Greenhills at 10am, whilst the Braves of Aaron Fermin seek to keep themselves in the race for the postseason against the middling Squires at noon.

NCAA All-Star set this afternoon

Schedule today at the Filoil Flying V Centre:

2pm All-Star Side Events
4pm Heroes vs Saints

With the NCAA in between their rounds, the league will have an All-Star Game kind of set-up this afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre, highlighted by the third edition of the NCAA All-Star Game.

The league brought back its Heroes vs Saints format from last year, with incumbent co-Players of the Week Robert Bolick and Bong Quinto joining forces for the Saints fresh from their historical feats.

The former became the player with the second highest output in league history with fifty points, while the latter dropped back-to-back triple doubles to close out Letran's first round.

They will join forces with San Sebastian's Michael Calisaan and Allyn Bulanadi, Letran's JP Calvo, San Beda's Javee Mocon, and CSB's Edward Dixon.

Completing the cast are CSB’s JJ Domingo and Luigi Velasco, Letran’s Christian Fajarito, San Beda’s Ranbill Tongco, San Sebastian’s Alvin Capobres, and Perpetual Help’s Jielo Razon, AJ Coronel and Kim Aurin.

Meanwhile, the Heroes will rely on Twin Magic from the Marcelino twins of Lyceum, as they will team up with fellow gunners Levi dela Cruz and Ian Alban from Arellano and Jed Mendoza of JRU.

Completing the cast are Arellano's Michael Canete, Emilio Aguinaldo’s Jerome Garcia, Enrico Diego and Jesse Bautista, Jr., Mapua’s Warren Bonifacio, Lawrence Victoria and Cedric Pelayo, LPU’s Kim Cinco, and Jose Rizal’s Karl Bordon and Richard David.

With the schools making the nominations on who represents them in the All-Star Game, the game features notable non-inclusions in the likes of Edgar Charcos, Prince Eze, Clement Leutcheu, Donald Tankoua, CJ Perez, and Mike Harry Nzeusseu.

Preceding the game itself are the different side events, starting at 2pm with the Skills Challenge, Three-Point Shootout, Slam Dunk Contest, and the Shooting Stars, which will feature the likes of Jio Jalalon, Rey Nambatac, and John Wilson.

San Beda seeks winning follow-up to Bolick 50

Games today at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan

10am Perpetual vs Arellano (HS)
12nn San Beda vs JRU (HS)
2pm Perpetual vs Arellano
4pm San Beda vs JRU

How do you top a historic outing?

Robert Bolick and the San Beda Red Lions seek to answer that question this afternoon, as they cap off a quadruple-header at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Bolick on Friday afternoon torched Arellano for fifty points in their 98-79 victory, which turned out to be the most points scored by a NCAA player since 1974, when Lim Eng Beng set the record with 55 for La Salle against Letran back in the day. Head coach Boyet Fernandez wishes for a repeat occurrence later, as he shared to the media, "Hopefully he can sustain his hot shooting."

The Leyte native knows the Heavy Bombers will make the necessary adjustments to stop him. He says, "I expect that to happen. I just have to be prepared and find ways to hit shots or just help my team get a win."

JRU is looking to keep a good run going after their 57-55 victory over Emilio Aguinaldo College last week.

The other collegiate matchup that afternoon features Perpetual Help against Arellano at 2pm.

With both sides smarting off losses last Friday, the Altas and the Chiefs are seeking to end their first round on a positive note.

Both teams are looking to keep themselves in the running for the postseason, especially for Arellano, who could reduce the gap between them and Perpetual to just a single game.

In high school action, the Junior Altas and the Braves kick off the quadruple header at 10am, with the Light Bombers and the Red Cubs squaring off at noon. The loser of the JRU-San Beda matchup will be in a tie with the winner of the Perpetual-Arellano matchup for fourth place, as the race to the Final Four starts to heat up and teams try to keep pace with last season's finalists La Salle-Greenhills and Mapua/Malayan.

NCAA All-Star participants named

On Friday, the NCAA revealed its participants for the NCAA All-Star Game.

Set to take place on August 31 at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan, it will feature the "Heroes vs Saints" format it introduced last season.

The Saints side of the matchup is stacked, with this season's MVP contenders Robert Bolick of San Beda, last year's All-Star Game MVP Prince Eze of Perpetual, and Bong Quinto of Letran nominated by their respective schools.

The Heroes side of the matchup will attempt to make up their 84-80 defeat last year, but they will have to do it without last season's Most Valuable Player CJ Perez, who was not nominated by Lyceum. In his stead, the Pirates are fielding the Marcelino twins and Ralph Tansingco. In addition, they will rely on the hot shooting of Levi dela Cruz of Arellano and Jed Mendoza of JRU.

Notable absences other than Perez in this All-Star matchup include foreign student-athletes Donald Tankoua, Mike Harry Nzeusseu, Hamadou Laminou, and Clement Leutcheu.

Preceding the event itself are the different side events to showcase the skills of the league's student athletes.

Justin Gutang of CSB leads the aspiring high-flyers in the dunk contest, while noted outside gunners AC Soberano, Allyn Bulanadi, Jerome Garcia, and Rence Alcoriza lead the field in the 3-point shootout.

All eyes on the trio of CJ Cadua, Mark Mallari, and Arjan dela Cruz in the Skills Challenge, while notable alumni Jio Jalalon, John Wilson, and Ronjay Enrile highlight the Shooting Stars which will have the combination of a current HS, collegiate, and alumnus working together as a team.

The complete list of NCAA All-Star participants are as follows:

Slam Dunk: William de Leon (Arellano), Renato Ular (Letran), Juju Bautista (EAC), Enoch Valdez (Lyceum), Arvin Gamboa (Mapua), Eugene Toba (San Beda), Kenneth Villapando (San Sebastian), Lean Martel (Perpetual), Justin Gutang (CSB)

3-Point Shootout: Rence Alcoriza (Arellano), Letran (Nicolo Galvelo), Jerome Garcia (EAC), MJ Dela Virgen (JRU), Ralph Tansingco (Lyceum), Exequiel Biteng (Mapua), AC Soberano (San Beda), Allyn Bulanadi (San Sebastian), Luke Sese (Perpetual), Carlo Young (CSB)

Skills Challenge: Maui Sera Joseph (Arellano), Bonbon Batiller (Letran), CJ Cadua (EAC), Mark Mallari (JRU), Carl Lumbao (Lyceum), Eric Jabel (Mapua), Clint Doliguez (San Beda), Arjan dela Cruz (San Sebastian), Jasper Cuevas (Perpetual), Jimboy Pasturan (CSB)

Shooting Star: John Ronald Barba & Kevin Lacap & Kim Cinco (Lyceum), Yong Garcia & Clint Escamis & Exequiel Biteng (Mapua), Penny Estacio & Calvin Oftana & Marcelo Pascual (San Beda), Milo Janao & Ian Valdez & Papa Jepoy Quiamco (San Sebastian), Jielo Razon & Gerald Dizon & Yuri Kawamura (Perpetual), Marlo Espiritu & Kraniel Viloria & Jio Jalalon (Arellano), Stacey Tibayan & Jerrick Balanza & Ronjay Enrile (Letran), CJ Boado & Maui Cruz & Ferdinand Melocoton (EAC), John Amores & Agem Miranda & John Wilson (JRU), Jimboy Pasturan & RJ Deles & Francis Lopez (CSB)

Saints: (Coach Boyet Fernandez)
CSB - Luigi Velasco, Josh Barnes, Jayjay Domingo
Letran - JP Calvo, Bong Quinto, Christian Fajarito
San Beda - Robert Bolick, Javee Mocon, Ranbill Tongco
San Sebastian - Michael Calisaan, Allyn Bulanadi, Alvin Capobres
Perpetual - Edgar Charcos, AJ Coronel, Prince Eze

Heroes: (Coach Topex Robinson)
Arellano: Levi dela Cruz, Ian Alban, Michael Canete
EAC: Jerome Garcia, Jerico Diego, Juju Bautista
Mapua: Warren Bonifacio, Laurenz Victoria, Cedric Pelayo
Lyceum: Jaycee Marcelino, Jayvee Marcelino, Ralph Tansingco
JRU: Jed Mendoza, Karl Bordon, Richard David

Historic NCAA Friday

Games Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan

10am Perpetual vs Arellano (HS)
12nn San Beda vs JRU (HS)
2pm Perpetual vs Arellano
4pm San Beda vs JRU

It was a very historic Friday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre, as all three collegiate games featuring something special.

Kicking things off was Letran's demolition of Emilio Aguinaldo College, 76-56. The Knights rode on a 29-point second quarter to secure the necessary breathing room to run away with the victory, as they closed out their first round campaign with a 6-3 record.

Bonbon Batiller had his best performance so far in a Knight, as the UE transfer poured in seventeen points, four rebounds, and three assists.

However, it was Bong Quinto who stole the show with ten points, ten rebounds, and eleven assists, allowing him to secure back-to-back triple doubles, a feat last done by Scottie Thompson earlier this decade for Perpetual.

Following that up is an 84-77 victory by the College of Saint Benilde against the Altas.

With NBA legend Tim Hardaway in attendance and assisting in the broadcast, the Blazers rode on the fourth quarter explosion of Jimboy Pasturan to pull away against this season's hosts, as the Adamson transfer scored nine of his eleven points in the final six minutes of the game. That 20-7 run allowed them to establish an 82-70 lead with 73 seconds left. And although the lead was whittled down to just five with 43 seconds to go, Pasturan would convert a couple of free throws to put the game on ice.

Complementing Pasturan are Justin Gutang and Yankie Haruna, who both chipped in twenty points apiece.

Unintentionally aiding matters for CSB was Perpetual's Edgar Charcos suffered a hyperextended right knee. The Altas missed his steadiness and playmaking that led to their three-game winning streak being snapped.

And to cap off an amazing afternoon, it was a game befitting of Kobe Day, with Robert Bolick channeling his inner Mamba Mentality to erupt for fifty points to lead San Beda to a 98-79 victory over Arellano.

Bolick took over in the final two quarters for the Red Lions, as he virtually matches the Chiefs' entire second half output with 37 points. An 18-4 run he virtually single-handedly conducted in the third quarter got the defending champions rolling, enabling them to establish a 68-57 lead with his drives to the basket. And he continued it in the fourth quarter, as he would wax hot from beyond the arc, going 4/6 from deep.

After his final triple that got him to the hallowed half-century mark, Boyet Fernandez took him out of the game, to the applause of the crowd who witnessed such a historic achievement.

The Chiefs would skid to 3-5, while the defending champions move up to 7-1.

The scores:

LETRAN 76 – Batiller 17, Quinto 11, Balanza 9, Calvo 9, Muyang 8, Yu 7, Agbong 5, Fajarito 4, Ambohot 2, Banez 2, Mandreza 2, Balagasay 0, Celis 0, Galvelo 0, Taladua 0.

EAC 56 – Laminou 18, Garcia 11, Tampoc 9, Bautista 6, Cadua 4, Cruz 4, Fujentes 2, Neri 2, Diego 0, Gonzales 0, Maguliano 0, Mendoza 0, Natividad 0.

Quarters: 14-17, 43-29, 57-46, 76-56.

ST. BENILDE 84 -- Gutang 20, Haruna 20, Pasturan 13, Domingo 9, Leutcheu 7, Young 5, Belgica 3, Nayve 3, Carlos 2, Dixon 2, Naboa 0, Velasco 0.

PERPETUAL 77 -- Eze 24, Aurin 23, Razon 13, Charcos 9, Cuevas 4, Peralta 4, Coronel 0, Mangalino 0, Pasia 0.

Quarters: 18-12, 29-29, 53-57, 84-77.

SAN BEDA 98 -- Bolick 50, Mocon 15, Tankoua 13, Canlas 6, Eugene 6, Oftana 4, Abuda 2, Nelle 2, Cabanag 0, Carino 0, Cuntapay 0, Doliguez 0, Soberano 0, Tongco 0.

ARELLANO 79 -- Canete 24, Dela Cruz 16, Dela Torre 9, Alcoriza 8, Concepcion 7, Sera Josef 6, Villoria 6, Alban 2, Segura 1, Bayla 0, Codinera 0, Ongolo Ongolo 0, Sacramento 0, Santos 0.

Quarters: 23-20, 42-40, 69-57, 98-79

San Beda seeks bounce back win

Games today at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan

8am Letran vs EAC-ICA (HS)
10am Perpetual vs La Salle-Greenhills (HS)
12nn Letran vs EAC
2pm Perpetual vs CSB
4pm Arellano vs San Beda
6pm Arellano vs San Beda (HS)

Fresh from a loss against Lyceum, San Beda seeks to regain their bearings against Arellano in the final part of a collegiate triple-header at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

The 73-66 defeat was their first defeat of the season after winning their first six matches, and the team looks eager to get back onto the court at 4pm to make amends.

According to Boyet Fernandez, "We just have to bounce back from it and try to get as many wins as possible."

They will attempt to do so against the middling Chiefs, who are currently 3-4 and in the middle of the pack this season.

Meanwhile, Letran is looking to improve their postseason position against a hapless Emilio Aguinaldo College at noon. A win would allow them to close the first round on a strong note with back-to-back wins while also solidifying their case for a postseason berth.

Completing the collegiate tripleheader is the matchup between Perpetual Help and College of Saint Benilde at 2pm, with both teams clearly making their case for turnarounds after last season's disappointments.

Meanwhile, the highlight of the high school tripleheader is pace-setting La Salle-Greenhills against the Perpetual Junior Altas at 10am.

Lyceum maintains undefeated record

Games Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan

10am Letran vs Mapua/Malayan (HS)
12nn San Beda vs Lyceum (HS)
2pm Letran vs Mapua
4pm San Beda vs Lyceum

College of Saint Benilde overcame the absence of Clement Leutcheu as it defeated Arellano, 70-62 last Friday in the opening game of the collegiate portion of their triple header.

Without their African big man, who was ejected in their matchup against Emilio Aguinaldo College earlier in the week for two unsportsmanlike actions, Kendrix Belgica stepped up to the plate for the Blazers. Playing almost 25 minutes and getting the start in place of Leutcheu, he contributed eight points, seven rebounds, and an assist. Yankie Haruna added a near-double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.

Justin Gutang led the way with fifteen points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

Head coach Ty Tang shared to the media after the game, "The team played well, we held our own in defense even without Clement." Tang also managed to snag his first back-to-back victories as CSB's head coach, as it improves their record to 5-3, just a half-game behind Perpetual whom they will face next week.

Rence Alcoriza led Arellano with fourteen points, as the Chiefs drop to 3-4.

The second collegiate game of the afternoon saw Jose Rizal University finally earn their first on-court victory this season, pipping EAC, 57-55.

After the NCAA gifted the Heavy Bombers a win thanks to the San Sebastian forfeiture earlier this week, they then took to the court and stifled the Generals early on, taking a 20-6 lead after one quarter of action. Although they did give that big lead away in the second quarter to make it a 28-23 halftime lead, they kept themselves afloat through Jed Mendoza's 12-point outburst in the third quarter.

EAC still managed to keep themselves within striking distance, managing to reduce the deficit to a solitary point at 56-55 with less than a minute remaining, Agem Miranda denied a triple from Jerome Garcia, and a free throw from Mark Mallari put a bow on the dramatic victory for JRU.

Mendoza finished with eighteen points, four rebounds, five assists, and five steals, while Mallari was the other Heavy Bomber in double figures with twelve points, to go along with his three rebounds, four assists, and a steal.

Big man Jun Silvarez had the unenviable task of trying to limit Hamadou Laminou's production, and while restricting the big man to just ten points, seven rebounds, and a block, he also managed to virtually match that output with eight points, eleven rebounds, and three blocks.

Garcia led EAC with a double-double of nineteen points and ten rebounds.

The final collegiate matchup of the day saw Lyceum keep their record unscathed yet again, as the Pirates pulled off an 87-82 victory over Letran.

The Knights had been up 78-70 almost midway into the fourth quarter, but Lyceum did not give up and closed the game out with a 17-4 run, with six of those points coming from team captain MJ Ayaay. He would finish with a game-high twenty points, as well as four rebounds and a couple of steals.

Mike Harry Nzeusseu contributed a double-double with sixteen points, eleven rebounds, and block, while CJ Perez made 10/15 free throws to finish with sixteen points, seven rebounds, an assist, and four steals.

Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson shared afterwards that the game validated Letran's status as title contender this season.

Bong Quinto fell an assist short of a triple double for Letran, finishing with thirteen points, ten rebounds, and nine assists, as well as a steal. JP Calvo added a team-high eighteen for the Knights, who fell to fifth in the standings with a 4-3 record after back-to-back losses to last season's finalists.

The scores:

College of Saint Benilde 70 – Gutang 15, Carlos 11, Haruna 9, Belgica 8, Domingo 8, Dixon 6, Naboa 6, Young 5, Pasturan 2, Barnes 0, Nayve 0, Velasco 0

Arellano 62 – Alcoriza 14, Sera Josef 11, Villoria 9, Canete 9, Alban 6, Segura 3, Codinera 3, Concepcion 2, Ongolo Ongolo 2, Santos 2, Sacramento 1, Dela Cruz 0, Bayla 0, Dela Torre 0

Quarterscores: 16-11; 32-27; 51-46; 70-62

JRU 57 – Mendoza 18, Mallari 12, Esguerra 8, Silvarez 8, Miranda 7, Padua 2, Santos 2, Bordon 0, Doromal 0

EAC 55 – Garcia 19, Laminou 10, Diego 6, Bautista 6, Maguliano 4, Gonzales 4, Bugarin 4, Natividad 2, Cadua 0, Mendoza 0, Neri 0, Tampoc 0, Robin 0

Quarterscores: 20-6; 28-23; 47-38; 57-55

Lyceum 87 – Ayaay 20, Nzeusseu 16, Perez 16, Marcelino JC 10, Santos 9, Marcelino JV 7, Caduyac 6, Tansingco 2, Yong 1, Ibanez 0, Serrano 0, Pretta 0, Cinco 0, Valdez 0
Letran 82 – Calvo 18, Quinto 13, Muyang 13, Fajarito 12, Ambohot 10, Batiller 10, Balanza 4, Yu 2, Taladua 0, Mandrez 0, Balagasay 0, Agbong 0, Celis 0

Quarterscores: 25-26; 47-39; 58-64; 87-82